Method of forming envelopes having inserts therein from a moving blank web

ABSTRACT

A method of forming envelopes having inserts therein from a continuously moving web of uniform width. The web is advanced along a line at selected forward speeds, continuously gummed along one edge to form an adhesive strip parallel to that edge, gummed at selected spaced intervals to form adhesive strips beginning at the web&#39;&#39;s opposite edge and extending in a direction normal to the continuous adhesive strip, inserts are placed on the gummed moving web, marginal cuts are made along both edges of the moving web to form bottom and closure flaps which are successively folded and sealed to form a moving web of discretely packed insert materials which is cut transversely of its direction of travel along the spaced adhesive strips to form envelopes having inserts sealed therein.

United States Patent 1 [72] Inventor Milton A. Stovall Duncansville, Pa.[21] AppLNo 881,258 [22] Filed Dec. 1, 1969 [45] Patented July 20, I971[73] Assignee F. L. Smithe Machine Company, Inc. Duncansville, Pa.

(54] METHOD OF FORMING ENVELOPES HAVING INSERTS THEREIN FROM A MOVINGBLANK WEB 6 Claims, 2 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 53/28, 93/61 A [5 1] Int. Cl B65b 9/06 [50] Field ofSearch.........l.. 53/28, 180, 31, 29, 183; 93/36 MM, 61 A, 63, 63 M;229/69 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 699,875 5/1902Johnston 229/69 Primary ExaminerTheron E. Condon Assistant ExaminerE. F.Desmond Attorney--Stanley J. Price, Jr.

ABSTRACT: A method of forming envelopes having inserts therein from acontinuously moving web of uniform width. The web is advanced along aline at selected forward speeds, continuously gummed along one edge toform an adhesive strip parallel to that edge, gummed at selected spacedintervals to form adhesive strips beginning at the webs opposite edgeand extending in a direction normal to the continuous adhesive strip,inserts are placed on the gummed moving web, marginal cuts are madealong both edges of the moving web to form bottom and closure flapswhich are successively folded and sealed to form a moving web ofdiscretely packed insert materials which is cut transversely of itsdirection of travel along the spaced adhesive strips to form envelopeshaving inserts sealed therein.

ATENTEO JUL20 nan INVENTOR. MILTON A. SrovALL Ag Q f lmy I. Field of theInvention cretely sealed insert materials, and thereafter, cutting theweb along the spaced adhesive strips to form envelopes having insertssealed therein.

This'invention relates to a method of forming envelopes having insertstherein from a continuously moving web of uniform width in a continuousmanner more economically than the methods heretofore known for formingenvelopes having inserts therein.

2. Description of the Prior Art It is often necessary to form severalthousand or more substantially identical pieces of mail-comprisingenvelopes having identical insert materials enclosed therein. In thepast, it has been the practice to either form the inserts and envelopesat separate locations and thereafter, assemble the completed I packageof envelope and insert at a place remote from the manufacture of eithercomponent. It has also been proposed to first form the insert materialand then fold an envelope blank thereover in a, continuous processoperated, more or less, along a line. For example, U.S. Pat. No.3,457,696 discloses a method for enclosing material in a mailing piecewherein insert materials are placed upon a preformed, precut envelopeblank which is then folded in a predetermined manner and glued alongcertain lines to form a mailing package comprising an envelope having aninsert therein.

That method, however, has certain disadvantages in that it requires theuse of carefully precut envelope blanks which must be partially gummedand dried before contact with the insert material. Moreover, the' blanksemployed in that process must befirst prepared and stacked in anoverlapping stepped position from which they are drawn in a sequentialmanner to singularly pass to the insert-receiving and folding auxiliaryequipment.

U.S. Pat. Re. No. 25,961 teaches a similar process in which anenvelopeis formed over insert materials by folding the flaps of an envelopeblank downwardly, rather than upwardly, over the insert material. Whileboth of the latter processes represent a great improvement, overinserting material in a completed envelope, neither represents a trulycontinuous process for forming an envelope having an insert therein, aseach requires the use of a precut and pregummed envelope blank.

I provide a continuous process for forming envelopes having insertssealed therein from a moving blank web of paper or the like which may belocated more'or less along a line with no requirement for transferringenvelope material or inserts to any place other than the process lineitself. Moreover, my process has no need for preformed envelope blanksand is capable of producing envelopes of any desired length and width.Moreover, my process is free from complicated folding procedures and maybe employed to produce envelopes having any number of packeted insertssealed therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION I and proceeding across the width of the web toa point removed or remote from the continuous adhesive strip,placing'insert materials on the web and maintaining those materials inoverlying contacting relationship therewith, cutting marginalportionsfrom the continuous adhesive strip to form closure flaps on theweb, cutting marginal portions from the moving web between the spacedadhesive strips to form bottom flaps on the web, and successivelyfolding and sealing the bottom and closure flaps to form a continuousmoving web of dis- I stages. This step, of course, requires complicatedattendant or I BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a schematicflowsheet illustrating the several steps of the method of the invention.I

FIG. 2 is a modification ofthe method illustrated in FIG. I.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS It should be understood thatthe tools and' apparatus required for cutting, applying adhesive,folding, etc. of the moving web do not constitute a part of theinvention. All these tools and apparatus may be more or lessconventional and are hence not illustrated or described in detail.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a continuous web 1 of uniform width, such as apaper web, supplied from a supply reel (not shown) is advanced along apath at a preselected uniform speed to the station designated generallyA. At station A, a panel or window 2 is cut into the moving web by meansof a conventional rotary cutting tool. Web 1 is next advanced to stationor position B, where windows or panels 2 are covered desired in thefinished envelope, both stations A and B may, of

course, be omitted. On the other hand, if several windows are desired,they may all be formed in web 1 at stations A and B with conventionalmethods and apparatus.

7 Web 1 is then advanced to station C wherepreliminary fold lines .4 and5 are formed. Fold lines 4 and 5 may be formed by conventional scoringdevices, such as a rotary scoring tool and an elastic counterroller.Preliminary fold lines 4 and 5 mark and define on moving web 1, marginalportions which, as will be seen later, shall constitute closure andbottom flaps respectively for the envelopes being formed. Fold lines 4andS follow a path generallyspaced from and parallel to the edges ofmoving web 1. If it is desired, the preliminary fold lines may beomitted but they are preferred in that they facilitate later folding andprocessing of the moving web into final envelope form.

Web 1, having been preliminarily scored with fold lines 4 and 5,advances to station D where adhesiveapplication is initiated. As is seenin FIGS. 1 and 2, a continuous strip of adhesive 6 is formed along theupper margin of moving web 1 between preliminary fold lines 4 and thewebs edge. Adhesive strip 6 may be applied by conventional equipment andits method of application forms no part of the present invention.

Likewise, as shown at station D, there are formed at selected spacedintervals along moving web 1, adhesive strips 7 which extend generallynormal to continuous adhesive strip 6 beginning at the lower edge (asshown) of web 1 and proceeding across the width of the web to a pointbelow or spaced from adhesive strip 6. For a reason which will becomeapparent hereafter, the distance d between spaced adhesive strips 7approximates the length of the envelopes being produced in the process.That distance d may be varied depending upon the length of envelopesought in the process. In the same manner, the width of web 1 may bevaried depending upon the width, of envelope desired. Conjointly, boththe width of web 1 and the distance between spaced adhesive strips maybe varied as desired to produce nearly any size of envelope having aninsert sealed therein by my methods.

Web 1 thus having been scored and gummed, proceeds to the stationdesignated generally E where inserts 8 are placed upon the moving web I.Inserts 8 are maintained in overlying contacting relationship with web 1and are positioned generally between adhesive strips 7 and preliminaryfold lines 4 and 5. It will now be apparent that as the dimensions ofinsert material 8 change, the spacing between adhesive strips 7,

i.e., the distance d, and the width of web 1 maybe varied accordingly toaccommodate the change in insert dimension.

Web 1 having inserts 8 thereon is advanced then to thestation designatedgenerally F. There, marginal portions 10 are cut from moving web 1 atspaced intervals to form a series of closure flap portions 11 on movingweb 1. Marginal portions 10 are located generally in line with spacedadhesive strips 7 along the upper side of web I, (as shown) i.e., theedge of web 1 nearest preliminary fold line 4. Additionally, at stationF, marginal portions 12 are cut from moving web I to form a series ofbottom flap portions 13 on the moving web. Marginal portions 12 are cutbetween spaced adhesive strips 7.

Moving web I having closure flap 11, and bottom flap portions 13 formedthereon advances then to the station or area designated generally G.While advancing to this station, insert material 8 is maintained inoverlying contacting relationship with moving web 1. At station G,bottom flap portions 13 of moving web 1 are folded upwardly and inwardlyinto overlying contacting relationship with insert materials 8. Thefolding takes place along preliminary fold line 5 previously scored intothe movingweb. In this manner,adhesive strips 7 are, of course, foldedover upon themselves and thereby seal insert material 8 in position onmoving web 1.

Moving web I having bottom flap portions 13 sealed thereon proceeds oradvances to station H where closure flap portions ll of moving web 1 arefolded upwardly and inwardly into overlying contacting relationship withbottom flap portions 13 to thereby form a continuous web of discretelypacked insert materials.

The thus formed continuous web of discretely packaged insert materials 8is'advanced then to station l where it is cut or scored throughtransversely of its direction of travel along adhesive strips 7 to formenvelopes having insert materials sealed therein in a condition readyfor printing (if required), mailing, packaging, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the method of myinvention wherein adhesive strip 7 extends only from the lower (asshown) edge of moving web 1 to preliminary fold line 5, rather thanextending to a point beyond that fold line. The degree of extension ofadhesive strip 7'across the width of web 1 is somewhat optional, itbeing necessary to extend that adhesive strip at least to fold line 5 toinsure a completely sealed envelope upon folding bottom flap 13 ontomoving web l. Beyond that, however, is no upper limit with the exceptionthat adhesive strip 7 should not extend to continuous adhesive strip 6nor any distance which would leave an exposed adhesive .strip afterfolding of bottom flap portions 13.

According to the provisions of the patent statutes, l have explained theprinciple, preferred construction and mode of operation of my inventionand have illustrated and described what l now consider'to represent itsbest embodiment. However, it should be understood that, within the scopeof the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than asspecifically illustrated and described.

lclaim:

l. A method of forming envelopes having inserts sealed therein from acontinuously moving web of uniform width having first and second outeredges comprising,

advancing said web at a selected forward speed,

forming a continuous adhesive strip along said first edge of said web,

forming a selected spaced intervals along said web adhesive stripsextending generally normal to said continuous strip beginning at saidsecond edge of said web and proceeding across said web to a point remoteand removed from said continuous adhesive strip, said spaced intervalsapproximating the length of envelope desired,

placing insert materials on said moving web between said spaced adhesivestrips,

maintaining said insert materials in overlying contacting relationshipwith said moving web,

cutting marginal portions from said moving web along said first edge atpoints in line with said spaced adhesive strips to thereby form closureflap portions on said moving web,

cutting marginal portions from said moving web along said second edgeand between said spacedadhesive strips to form bottom flap portionsalong said moving web, folding said bottom flap portions upwardly andinwardly into overlying relationship with said insert material wherebyeach said spacedadhesive strip is folded upon itself to thereby sealsaid inserts on said moving web,

folding said closure flap portions into overlying contactingrelationship with said bottom flap, and

cutting said moving web transversely to its direction of travel alongsaid spaced adhesive strips to thereby form individual envelopes havinginserts sealed therein.

2. A method of forming envelopes having inserts sealed therein from acontinuously moving web of uniform width as set forth in claim 1including,

forming first and second preliminary fold lines in said moving webparallel to and spaced from said web's edges and folding said bottom andclosure flap portions over said preliminary fold lines.

3. A method of forming envelopes having inserts sealed therein from acontinuously moving web of uniform width as set forth in claim 1including,

cutting a panel in said moving web and covering said panel with atransparent foil prior to placing said inserts on said moving web. g

4. A method of forming envelopes having inserts therein from acontinuously moving web of uniform width comprising,

advancing said web at a selected forward speed,

forming first and second preliminary fold lines on said movingweb alonglines inward of said webs outer edges and parallel thereto,

forming a continuous adhesive strip on said web between said firstpreliminary fold line and an edge of said web and parallel thereto,

forming at selected spaced intervals along said web adhesive stripsextending generally normal to said continuous adhesive strip beginningat the edge of said web nearest said second preliminary fold line andproceeding across the width of said web at least to said secondpreliminary fold line,

said spacing between said strips approximating the length: of

envelope desired, placing insert materials on said moving web betweensaid spaced adhesive strips,

maintaining said insert materials in overlying contacting relationshipwith said moving web,

cutting marginal portions from said moving web along said edge thereofnearest said first preliminary fold line and in line with said spacedadhesive strips to form closure flap portions on said moving web,

folding said moving web along said second preliminary fold line upwardlyand inwardly whereby said inserts are sealed on said moving web,

folding said closure flap portions along said first preliminary foldline into overlying contacting relationship with said moving web, and

cutting said moving web transversely of its direction of.

from a continuously moving web of uniform width as set forth in claim 4including,

cutting a panel in-said moving web and covering said panel with atransparent foil prior to placing said inserts on said moving web.-

1. A method of forming envelopes having inserts sealed therein from a continuously moving web of uniform width having first and second outer edges comprising, advancing said web at a selected forward speed, forming a continuous adhesive strip along said first edge of said web, forming a selected spaced intervals along said web adhesive strips extending generally normal to said continuous strip beginning at said second edge of said web and proceeding across said web to a point remote and removed from said continuous adhesive strip, said spaced intervals approximating the length of envelope desired, placing insert materials on said moving web between said spaced adhesive strips, maintaining said insert materials in overlying contacting relationship with said moving web, cutting marginal portions from said moving web along said first edge at points in line with said spaced adhesive strips to thereby form closure flap portions on said moving web, cutting marginal portions from said moving web along said second edge and between said spaced adhesive strips to form bottom flap portions along said moving web, folding said bottom flap portions upwardly and inwardly into overlying relationship with said insert material whereby each said spaced adhesive strip is folded upon itself to thereby seal said inserts on said moving web, folding said closure flap portions into overlying contacting relationship with said bottom flap, and cutting said moving web transversely to its direction of travel along said spaced adhesive strips to thereby form individual envelopes having inserts sealed therein.
 2. A method of forming envelopes having inserts sealed therein from a continuously moving web of uniform width as set forth in claim 1 including, forming first and second preliminary fold lines in said moving web parallel to and spaced from said web''s edges and folding said bottom and closure flap portions over said preliminary fold lines.
 3. A method of forming envelopes having inserts sealed therein from a continuously moving web of uniform width as set forth in claim 1 including, cutting a panel in said moving web and covering said panel with a transparent foil prior to placing said inserts on said moving web.
 4. A method of forming envelopes having inserts therein from a continuously moving web of uniform width comprising, advancing said web at a selected forward speed, forming first and second preliminary fold lines on said moving web along lines inward of said web''s outer edges and parallel thereto, forming a continuous adhesive strip on said web between said first preliminary fold line and an edge of said web and parallel thereto, forming at selected spaced intervals along said web adhesive strips extending generally normal to said continuous adhesive strip beginning at the edge of said web nearest said second preliminary fold line and proceeding across the width of said web at least to said second preliminary fold line, said spacing between said strips approximating the length of envelope desired, placing insert materials on said moving web between said spaced adhesive strips, maintaining said insert materials in overlying contacting relationship with said moving web, cutting marginal portions from said moving web along said edge thereof nearest said first preliminary fold line and in line with said spaced adhesive strips to form Closure flap portions on said moving web, folding said moving web along said second preliminary fold line upwardly and inwardly whereby said inserts are sealed on said moving web, folding said closure flap portions along said first preliminary fold line into overlying contacting relationship with said moving web, and cutting said moving web transversely of its direction of travel along said spaced adhesive strips to form envelopes having inserts sealed therein.
 5. A method of forming envelopes having inserts therein from a continuously moving web of uniform width as set forth in claim 4 including, cutting marginal portions from said moving web between said spaced adhesive strips to form bottom flap portions in said moving web.
 6. A method of forming envelopes having inserts therein from a continuously moving web of uniform width as set forth in claim 4 including, cutting a panel in said moving web and covering said panel with a transparent foil prior to placing said inserts on said moving web. 